The Top 5 Mistakes of Less Successful Leaders
Anyone who takes the step into a leadership role wants to prosper and achieve success in my experience. So what are the top 5 mistakes that less successful leaders make and what can you do differently?
Mistake 1: Survival rather than results focus
Your role as a leader is to get results. Yet in my career I encountered a number of people who were more interested in survival than getting results. When you are in this mode your focus is not on making things happen but in staying safe or protecting your status.
Mistake 2: Not taking responsibility
This can often happen in situations where there is a need for different organisations to work together to deliver results. In these situations, it is often a case of pass the parcel, with people not taking responsibility for delivering on their part of the process.
Mistake 3: Focusing on the circumstances
Leading an organisation whether it is operating in the public or private sector is challenging. Sometimes, especially when under pressure, it is tempting to focus on the circumstances rather than on the way forward.
Mistake 4: Trying to do it all themselves
No matter how good you are, there is only one of you and you only have strengths in certain areas. Successful leaders know that it is teams rather than individuals that deliver high performance.
Mistake 5: Selective listening
Have you ever noticed how some leaders want to listen really well when you are sharing a success but seem disengaged when you are sharing a problem. Good leaders listen in both situations and help and support you to achieve more.
I wonder what you would add to the list of mistakes. I invite you to add a comment with your perspectives and experiences.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.